Sheila Gebhard
This was our second time renting with Happy Campers. We rented a Happy 3 this time which was the same vehicle we rented previously but not a 4x4. If renting in April you don’t really need a 4x4 even if doing the ring road. We only had two adults in the camper which makes it very spacious. The high roofline is nice so you can stand inside. We like using the bunk area to put our extra gear so it’s up and out of the way. There is also plenty of storage space under the bed in the rear and on the sides and in the front cubbies (which I did not see in other companies layouts in similar size vehicles).
We bring all our own camping gear which includes sleeping bags, inflatable pads, and inflatable pillows, so we had them keep all the provided bedding as it takes up a lot of space in the van. We bring our Jet Boil along with some additional kitchen items (large silicone spatula, silicone measuring cup, our own GSI mugs) to supplement what they provide. We also bring our own toilet. Yes, you heard that right, our own toilet! Since that is the only negative of these vans (in my mind), both times we brought our Cleanwaste GO Anywhere Portable Folding Toilet and WAG bags. It is nice to know that wherever you are you have bathroom facilities with you. I know Iceland is having issues with people pottying all over the place and leaving toilet paper and I can understand why since many of the rental vans do not have toilets. There are some stretches along the ring road that are very desolate and the roadside table stops only have a table and no bathroom facilities.
This van equipped with our own toilet had all the conveniences we needed. The webasto heater works great and will keep you nice and toasty too. The portable WiFi is great as well and for us we have found Iceland has amazing cell service (especially around the ring road). We have T-mobile from the US and it works pretty much everywhere.
The only recommendations I would make is for Happy Campers to provide some hooks in the vans to provide some place to hang jackets, etc. We brought our own magnetic hooks for that purpose as our particular van did not have any hooks. I would also recommend they provide the option for people to possibly rent a toilet like ours for those renting the larger vans which have the floor space to use one. I think it would be a nice convenience for some people and help prevent roadside toilet paper buildup!
I would recommend taking a good insurance option with the van. The first time we rented, we ended up with a flat tire (not our fault) and had to get a new tire put on (which we were reimbursed for). You just never know what will happen on your trip and it is better to be covered and not have to worry about unexpected expenses.
This trip went very smooth and we were in and out very quickly as far as picking up and dropping off the van. It obviously helped that it was our second trip to Iceland and second time with the same van.
I would highly recommend Happy Campers to anyone looking to rent a van. They were extremely responsive and friendly every time I contacted them via email or phone and they were very accommodating when we did encounter an issue. I also believe their vans have more thoughtful features and comfort than others I researched, especially for the price. As far as I’m concerned we will continue to rent from Happy Campers on future trips (but I’ll still bring my own toilet)!
I would like to give a special shout out to Bartosz who picked us up from our airport hotel, Munch who got us swiftly checked in and on our way in record time, Eliska who checked us out, and Dawid who made a special run to the airport for us and another couple.